Obedience
Obedience training teaches your dog (and you) the manners he will need to be a good companion for life. If you choose to pursue obedience training more competitively, the AKC offers four title levels: CD (Companion Dog), CDX (Companion Dog Excellent), UD (Utility Dog), and OTCH (Obedience Trial Champion.) Each has a set of exercises which dog and handler must perform as a team. Many clubs offer Matches for practice as well as a wealth of experience in advice from members who have trained their own dogs to these levels. Whatever your goal is, a perfect 200 or just a qualifying score, obedience training develops and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Rally Obedience is another sport you and your dog can train and compete in. While Rally is different from Obedience in many ways, the strong bond which devleops between you and your dog is phenomenal. Just as in Obedience, this is true team work
Recommended reading/videos:
Team Work: A Dog Training Manual for People with Disabilities by Stewart Nordensson & Lydia Kelley (corresponding DVD available)
Team Work II: A Dog Training Manual for People with Disabilities by Stewart Nordensson & Lydia Kelley (corresponding DVD available)
Steppin' Up To Success by Terri Arnold (four books available, from Basic/Novice to Utility)
Competition Obedience: A Balancing Act by Judy Byron & Adele Yunck
The Art of Proofing: Preparing Your Dog For Obedience Trials by Adele Yunck
The Clicked Retriever by Lana Mitchell
Ring Ready: An Obedience Workbook by Marie Sawford
Successful Obedience Handling: Put Your Best Foot Forward In The Obedience Ring by Barbara S. Handler